This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.
Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite
Steven James Foreman presents a fresh take on the tale of Hansel and Gretel in The Witch of Treblinka. After the brutal persecution of the Roma people by the Nazis ended in 1945, many among them still found themselves starving and homeless. Siblings Gretel and Hansel Covaci's lives were turned upside down after the tragic death of their mother. Their father, Ivailo, abandoned them in the Białowieża Forest at the urging of their new stepmother, Annaliese. Facing starvation and worse, Gretel and Hansel are forced to fend for themselves when they come across a cabin in the woods. To their horror, the cabin is inhabited by a certain Irma Eirmann, also known as the Witch of Treblinka. Irma is a ruthless Nazi who has now set her sights on the siblings. Can Gretel and Hansel escape her clutches?
Steven James Foreman's The Witch of Treblinka is historical fiction and folklore rolled into one absorbing novel. It's a survival story about family, loss, and war ramifications. I found it very poignant with themes of love, hope, and resilience layered throughout the narrative. I also think many readers will, for the first time, learn about the plight of the Roma people during World War II with this book. The novel is based on true historical events and draws inspiration from a German folk tale. But, for me, it was Foreman's characterization that kept me hooked all the way through. Even the secondary characters feel like real people from that era and place. The dialogue, specifically, emphasizes that aspect. I was completely immersed in the story and highly recommend it.
